The 47 active COVID-19 cases in Stutsman County is the most since Jan. 8 when there were 53 active cases, according to the North Dakota Department of Health. The department reported six new positive tests for the coronavirus and an increase of two active cases in Stutsman County Wednesday.
The active count is up from a low of five on March 28 in a rise of 900% in 18 days.
The 47 active cases translate to 23 cases per 10,000 residents which is equal to Cass County as the highest of the major counties. The highest rate in North Dakota is Logan County with 38 active cases per 10,000 residents.
Robin Iszler, unit director for Central Valley Health District, said the increase is in a "random" pattern.
"Right now, we are seeing some increases in cases among those younger than 20," she said. "or families that are experiencing COVID – it really is random, however."
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Iszler said there are variants of the coronavirus vaccine active in North Dakota with the UK or United Kingdom variant most common.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the UK variant was first detected in the United States in December 1920. The variants spread easily and can result in increased numbers of active cases because of the rapid transmission from person to person. In some cases, treatments of the variants is less effective than treatment for the original virus.
Statistics from the Department of Health indicate that three employees at Ave Maria Village, three at Eventide and four staff members at the James River Correctional Center are currently active with COVID-19 amounting to 10 of the 45 active cases in the county. No residents at any of the facilities had active cases of COVID.
"We really encourage anyone wanting a vaccination to get one as soon as possible," Iszler said.
Vaccinations are open to those over the age of 16 for the Pfizer vaccine and over the age of 18 for the Moderna vaccine. Registration for vaccine clinics is available at www.CentralValleyHealth.org. Pfizer and Moderna are the only two vaccines currently approved for use in the United States.
"We did have a local worksite vaccination clinic scheduled for J&J (Johnson and Johnson) this week," said Shannon Klatt, director of health promotions. "Due to the recent pause in J&J in North Dakota and nationwide, we will be offering Moderna at that planned clinic instead. We will not be resuming administration of J&J until further notice and instruction from the North Dakota Department of Health."
And residents are urged to continue to take precautions especially during the upcoming Runnin O' the Green planned for this weekend.
“COVID-19 numbers are slowly rising in Stutsman County, which is concerning as we go into the Runnin O' the Green weekend in our community., Klatt said. "We encourage attendees to remain vigilant of COVID-19 precautions by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, and using proper hand hygiene. If you are feeling ill in any way or have recently been exposed to COVID-19, remain home from the event to prevent potential spread of the disease.”
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Health officials are also urging participants in the Runnin O' the Green to maintain safe practices when it comes to drinking.
“We also would like to encourage attendees to practice safe behavior by refraining from excessive binge drinking, while also arranging a sober designated driver to and from the event," Klatt said.
